Estonia has a niche capability in the design and engineering of hardware and software solutions for intelligent transportation, urban planning, tourism and smart homes. Advanced digital infrastructure, skills and consumer adoption provide the ideal R&D testbed.
| Commitment of state to efficient public assets. | |
| World-class skills in high-tech systems, real-time computing and cyber security. | |
| Extensive use of connected networks in energy, transportation and Smart City sectors. | |
| Proven benefits to users and environment from adoption of smart city technologies. | |
| Commitment of state to innovation in the smart city sector. |
Estonia has an unparalleled track record of applying technology to create efficiency and improve user experience. The first country in the world to implement smart parking, today our smart apps and ticketing systems are widely used across the Nordic region.
Thanks to high-speed digital infrastructure and use of location technologies, Estonia has become a leader in telematics. Cutting edge collaboration between our emergency services, Google, Tele2, Telia and Elisa accurately pinpoints callers in seconds, allowing lives to be saved. In March 2017, Estonia legalised the testing of autonomous vehicles in the country.
Digitally-enabled infrastructure, including smart roads and ports, has also allowed Estonia to implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) which ensure smooth flows of people and traffic around cities and logistics hubs. Big Data analytics are increasingly integrated to improve urban planning, civil safety and tourism.
With long-standing expertise in mechatronics with embedded software, Estonia has a growing specialism in engineering smart hardware and control systems for buildings, lighting and home appliances. Samsung has conducted R&D into smart TVs in Estonia, while accelerators Buildit and Tehnopol have commercialised smart city innovations.
In addition to applying smart city concepts to improve life quality and mobility, Estonia seeks to improve economic competitiveness. Our Smart Port and FINEST Twins joint ventures with Finland increase interoperability with our largest tourism and trading partner and provide valuable data for strategic planning.
These websites can be useful when interested in smart cities in Estonia:
You are also welcome to send us an enquiry for more specific information.
From multinationals such as Microsoft and Kuehne+Nagel to high growth startups such as TransferWise and Skype, Estonia creates revolutionary consumer, enterprise and government solutions for global markets.
Estonia developed X-Road, its proprietary decentralised, distributed system in 2001 and has utilised Blockchain since 2008. World-class technical skills supported by practical experience implementing public and permissioned Blockchain’s place Estonia at the forefront of the emerging Blockchain economy.
Estonia has an export-oriented Chemicals sector benefitting from a full value chain and world-class skills in oil shale, rare earth metals and petrochemicals. Our pro-business environment is competitive and trustworthy, with digitalisation applied to deliver new capabilities.
Estonia’s marine sector specialises in the design and build of small and medium-sized commercial and leisure vessels. Centuries long expertise, cutting-edge application of IT and a flexible approach make Estonia a competitive location for innovation and export-oriented production.
Estonia has a diversified energy sector which comprises long-standing expertise in oil shale, a sizeable renewables sector and growing CleanTech capability. World-class expertise within a highly digital, pro-business environment will see Estonia play a leading role in the energy revolution
Estonia has a sizeable food industry which benefits from ecological raw materials, skilled workers and modern production facilities. With an established export capability and growing application of food science and technology, Estonia is the ideal location for export and R&D oriented investment.
Estonia has a collaborative ecosystem for Industrial R&D including academia, accelerators and competence centres. Supported by world-class expertise and a highly competitive, digital environment, Estonia is the ideal location for Industrial product and technology R&D.
Estonia has unique expertise in developing and managing IT systems and is home to connected networks in transportation, the world’s largest blockchain company, the EU’s centre of large-scale systems and R&D into 5G telecommunications.
Estonia has a full value chain for R&D, prototyping, and production of precision components and complex systems, and is trusted by ABB, Ericsson and the European Space Agency.
With a highly-qualified workforce and strengths in engineering, electronics and IT, Estonia is at the cutting edge of R&D, production and service for mechatronic solutions with embedded software.
Estonia has one of Europe’s largest bioeconomies, including world leading expertise in forest-based activity. Supported by high-quality natural resources, ultra-high use of IT and supportive policy making, Estonia offers a range of production and innovation opportunities.
Estonia is one of the first countries to implement smart grid and electric vehicle networks and has strong capabilities in material technologies, big data analytics and IT solutions for the utility and agri sectors.
With over 80 captive, BPO and ITO centres, Estonia is an established location for finance, IT and customer services and has a growing expertise in supply chain, HR and process automation.
The most advanced cyber security country in Europe, Estonia has unique expertise in the research, development and management of cyber security solutions and systems. Home to NATO CCDCOE, Guardtime and Malwarebytes, Estonia is trusted to keep the digital economy safe.
Estonia is a world leader in identity cards and mobile and device-independent e-ID solutions. Based on ultra-high encryption and user convenience, e-ID can be used to vote, sign smart contracts, make contactless payments and is being adopted by business and governments globally.
Estonia is the most effective supply chain hub for the Nordic, Baltic and northwest Russian regions thanks to its strategic location, modern infrastructure, multi-modal capabilities and reliable but flexible approach.
Estonia is a world leader in the development and application of digital logistics. From data analytics and country single windows to mobile apps and delivery robots, Estonia improves supply chain efficiency and client experience from the first mile to last.
Estonia has a niche capability in the design and engineering of hardware and software solutions for intelligent transportation, urban planning, tourism and smart homes. Advanced digital infrastructure, skills and consumer adoption provide the ideal R&D testbed.
Estonia is a world leader in e-Health and has niche expertise in biotechnology, genetics and pharmaceuticals. Supported by a collaborative R&D ecosystem, Estonia is applying MedTech to advance science, societal wellbeing and the efficiency of business.
Estonia is a cashless society with over 99% of financial transactions occurring digitally and electronic ID and Blockchain utilised daily. 80+ FinTechs ranging from innovative startups such as TransferWise to Blockchain leader Guardtime make Estonia a global centre of excellence for FinTech.
What is it like to run a business in Estonia? How to benefit from the e-solutions and the efficiency of our business culture? What are the opportunities in specific sectors?
The Business in Estonia section helps you prepare for doing business in Estonia. And if you have any further questions, our business advisers are happy to help.
